How do I provide lighting when sofa is not against the wall?

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How do I provide lighting when sofa is not against the wall?

by Grace
(Las Vegas, NV)

I have a large living room and the sofa is not against a wall. I have end tables, but I don't know what to do about lamps because the outlets are too far away and the cords would have to lay across the carpet.

There are ceiling lights, but they are not enough for reading. Any thoughts or ideas are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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How do I provide lighting when sofa is not against the wall?

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Dec 19, 2008
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tricky situation... but some ideas...
by: Charlotte

Hi Grace

Oh dear, that does sound a tricky situation!

Of course, as you are well aware, health and safety has got to be paramount, so we can't have wires trailing across the room.

But you do still need some task lighting, for reading etc - ideally by table or wall-standing lamps.

It is a difficult situation, but hopefully I have some ideas that you may be able to consider.

Could you use rugs to cover the wires?

If you intend keeping this arrangement for a while, could the carpet be discreetly cut, and the wire taped securely underneath, or even directed under floorboards, (if you have them)?

One other option is to invest in some ceiling (or wall, if appropriate) spotlights - directional ones would be best, so that you can alter the angle to your seating position. These could be fitted in an ideal spot to illuminate your sofa (usually slightly behind, so that they would light up your page when reading).

It is possible to get battery operated lighting, of various types and styles, which you may also be able to fit somewhere appropriate, but these are usually rather functional in style, and may not suit the ambience of your room, as well as being a hassle to change the batteries frequently.

I hope this has given you some ideas, and hope you will soon be able to read comfortably on your sofa.

Good luck

Best wishes

Charlotte x

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Dec 19, 2008
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Submitted by: Charlotte

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Hi Grace Oh dear, that does sound a tricky situation! Of course, as you are well aware, health and safety has got to be paramount, so we can't have wires trailing across the room. But you do still need some task lighting, for reading etc - ideally by table or wall-standing lamps. It is a difficult situation, but hopefully I have some ideas that you may be able to consider. Could you use rugs to cover the wires? If you intend keeping this arrangement for a while, could the carpet be discreetly cut, and the wire taped securely underneath, or even directed under floorboards, (if you have them)? One other option is to invest in some ceiling (or wall, if appropriate) spotlights - directional ones would be best, so that you can alter the angle to your seating position. These could be fitted in an ideal spot to illuminate your sofa (usually slightly behind, so that they would light up your page when reading). It is possible to get battery operated lighting, of various types and styles, which you may also be able to fit somewhere appropriate, but these are usually rather functional in style, and may not suit the ambience of your room, as well as being a hassle to change the batteries frequently. I hope this has given you some ideas, and hope you will soon be able to read comfortably on your sofa. Good luck Best wishes Charlotte x

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Dec 22, 2008
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Lighting Advice
by: Grace

Charlotte, thanks so much for the suggestions! They are all great, and most I had not thought of. I think I'll try using throw rugs to cover the wire and see how that works out.

We've just moved in to the house and I've already seen so many ideas on this site to help me put everything together. I'm trying to build my decorating confidence so I can reflect our personalities, so I'll be reading all the time, and asking questions.

Dec 23, 2008
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you are welcome
by: Charlotte

Grace, you are welcome.

Hope the throw rugs work out well for you.

Thank you for your kind comments about my site - and I'm very glad you are finding it useful.

Decorating a new home can really be a lovely, exciting time, putting your own stamp on the space - so I hope you enjoy it. And do feel free to ask any questions again, and if I can help, I will.

Good luck with all your decorating plans, and please do send us photos of the finished projects.

:o)

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How do I provide lighting when sofa is not against the wall?

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How do I provide lighting when sofa is not against the wall?